Larson Boats: Worthy Watercraft Or Subpar Ships?

Larson boats are a popular choice for those seeking a reliable and durable vessel, with some describing the brand as a good mid-line model. They are known for their sleek and durable hull construction, smooth ride, and spacious design. However, as with any boat brand, there are a few issues to consider. Some common problems with Larson boats include hull stress cracks, excessive bilge water, ski locker lid cracks, and difficulty retaining resale value. Despite these potential drawbacks, Larson boats offer a safe and enjoyable boating experience, making them a great option for those who plan to own their boat for an extended period.

Larson boats are good value for money

Larson boats are a good value option for those looking for a reliable and durable vessel. With over 100 years of experience, the brand is known for its sleek and durable hull construction, offering a smooth and safe ride through the waves at a reasonable price. While no boat is perfect and there are a few common issues to look out for, Larson boats provide excellent value for money.

Firstly, Larson boats are renowned for their high-quality construction, utilising single-piece fiberglass hulls finished with a gel topcoat. This results in a strong and sleek-looking boat. However, regular maintenance is required to prevent stress cracks along the hull, a common issue for many boats, not just Larson. Therefore, it is important to keep on top of maintenance to ensure small hull cracks don't become larger and more expensive to fix.

Secondly, some older models of Larson boats are known for excessive bilge water issues, which can be caused by rough waters or leaks in the hull. Modern Larson boats have addressed this issue with the implementation of impressive bilge pumps, but these require proper maintenance to function effectively.

Thirdly, while the ski lockers in Larson boats provide handy storage access, the lids of these storage areas have been known to crack, which can lead to waterproofing issues if left unattended. However, Larson offers an extensive lifetime warranty on their boats, so getting these issues addressed promptly can prevent them from becoming bigger problems.

Lastly, one of the biggest advantages of Larson boats is their spacious and strong design, providing excellent value for money in terms of space and performance. Their boats often feature more space and better performance than competitors within the same price range.

In summary, Larson boats offer a great balance of quality, performance, and price. While there are a few common issues to be aware of, these boats are a good value option, especially for those who plan to own the boat for a long time as they are long-lasting and fun. With proper maintenance and care, a Larson boat can provide hundreds of hours of enjoyable boating experiences.

They are reliable and durable

Larson boats are known for their reliability and durability. Their high-quality single-hull construction allows for their expert craftsmanship to create a boat that rides smoothly. Well-maintained Larson boats can provide hundreds of hours of fun out on the water.

Larson boats are often cited as one of the smoothest riding boats in their price range. For boaters focusing on the ride, Larson boats provide one of the best experiences on the market. They are also often at the top of best-value sport boat lists. These boats allow you to spend more time fishing and less time repairing and maintaining your boat. For those looking for a fast, smooth ride, the Larson line of boats is hard to compete with.

Larson boats are made with high-quality materials and innovative construction. They are designed to provide an excellent on-the-water experience. They are long-lasting and durable and are known for providing fun for many years after being purchased.

One of Larson's boats, the Larson Cabrio 240, has received positive feedback from a user on a boating forum. The user's friend bought a new Larson 29 or 30-footer and is satisfied with the overall quality and performance of the boat. Another user on the same forum thread mentions that their friend has a 26' Larson Cruiser-style boat that he uses every weekend and on trips with his family, and he loves it and has a ton of fun with it.

In summary, Larson boats are reliable and durable, providing a smooth and enjoyable experience on the water. With their high-quality construction and innovative features, they offer a great option for those seeking a long-lasting and well-performing boat.

They have sleek and durable hull construction

Larson boats are known for their sleek and durable hull construction. The boats are designed with a focus on performance and functionality, offering a reliable and safe ride through the waves. The hulls are constructed using patented VEC Composite Technology, ensuring a consistent thickness throughout for controlled overall boat weight. This construction method enhances the boat's performance, making it one of the smoothest riding boats in its price range.

The Delta-Conic hull design of Larson boats is a notable feature. It incorporates a "step" that is intended to improve the ride quality. This design element sets Larson boats apart and contributes to their reputation for stable and dry handling. The hull design also allows for excellent manoeuvrability, quick time-to-plane, and efficient fuel economy.

While Larson boats are known for their durable construction, it is important to maintain them properly. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent small hull cracks from becoming larger and more expensive to fix. This is especially true for older models, particularly those from the '70s and '80s, as newer models have improved in this regard.

The hulls of Larson boats are constructed using single-piece fiberglass, finished with a gel topcoat. While this construction provides a sleek and durable surface, it is not uncommon for these boats to develop stress cracks along the hull over time. Proper maintenance and timely repairs are essential to mitigate this issue and ensure the longevity of the boat.

Overall, the hull construction of Larson boats contributes significantly to their performance, durability, and sleek appearance. With proper care and maintenance, these boats can provide a smooth and reliable boating experience for many years.

They are good for water sports

Larson boats are a good option for water sports enthusiasts. Their sleek hull construction and powerful engines make them a popular choice for activities like tubing, wakeboarding and skiing. The Larson 288LXI, for example, is a 24-28ft bowrider that can accommodate up to eight people and is well-suited for skiing and tubing. The Larson Cabrio 240 is another option for those looking for a sport cruiser.

Larson boats are known for their spacious interiors and smooth rides. One of their biggest advantages is the amount of interior space they offer, which is ideal for families or groups of friends. The boats also handle well in the water, providing a stable and dry ride, even in rough conditions.

When it comes to engine power, Larson boats offer a range of options. While some users have expressed a preference for the V8 engine for water sports, others have found the 4.3 mpi engine to have sufficient power. It's important to consider the size of the boat and the number of people on board when deciding on the engine. For a 21' boat, a V8 engine is recommended for a family of four with friends and for towing a tube.

The quality of Larson boats is often compared to mid-line car brands like Pontiac. They are known for their good fit and finish, with nice features and no major structural issues. However, some users have noted that the quality of fittings, gel coat, carpet and attention to detail may be slightly lower than that of premium boat brands.

Overall, Larson boats offer a good combination of performance, space and value, making them a popular choice for water sports enthusiasts.

They have good resale value

Larson boats are a good investment if you plan on keeping the boat and taking good care of it. While they may not retain their resale value, they are long-lasting and durable, providing fun for many years after being purchased.

Larson boats are known for their high-quality materials and innovative construction. They are designed to provide an excellent on-the-water experience and are often cited as one of the smoothest riding boats in their price range. For boaters focusing on ride quality, Larson boats provide one of the best experiences on the market.

Larson boats are also great value for money. They allow you to spend more time fishing and less time repairing and maintaining your boat. Their high-quality single-hull construction allows for expert craftsmanship, creating a boat that rides smoothly. Well-maintained Larson boats can provide hundreds of hours of fun out on the water.

The Larson brand is a good mid-line model, offering a good balance between price and quality. They are a good option for those who want a high-quality boat without breaking the bank.

Overall, Larson boats are a great choice for those looking for a durable, smooth-riding, and value-for-money option. While they may not have the best resale value, they are an excellent investment for those who plan to keep and maintain their boat for many years.

Frequently asked questions